Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland had to leave the stage at Belfast community center due to a security alert.

A speech by the Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has been interrupted by a security alert at the Belfast community centre.

The event organiser said a suspect device was discovered in the car park of the venue.

“There is a security alert and the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) are currently assessing the situation. Everyone has had to evacuate the centre,” Tim Attwood, secretary of the Hume Foundation, told Reuters at the scene.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said “The Minister and team are safe, have been taken to a secure location and the PSNI are in control of the situation”.

“A security incident was declared by the PSNI as Minister Coveney gave a scheduled speech in the Houben Centre in Belfast following a meeting with the Pat & John Hume Foundation,” the spokesman said.

Mr Coveney had to leave the stage at the Houben Centre in North Belfast after a message was relayed to him while speaking.

The Minister interrupted his speech saying “I’m afraid I have to leave, I hope I’ll be back in a few minutes, you’ll just have to understand that.” The building has been evacuated.

He had told the event: “The patient work of reconciliation and deepening of relationships does need to continue on our own island.”

Mr Attwood told the PA news agency that the security alert is a reminder “to everyone that there is no role in our society for violence”.

He added: “A suspect device will not stop the work of the John and Pat Hume Foundation.”

In a statement, the PSNI said: “Police are currently in attendance of a security alert at the Crumlin Road area of north Belfast. “Motorists are advised to avoid the area and seek alternative main routes for their journey. “There are no further details at this stage.”

More to follow. –Additional reporting Reuters

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